How can I safely remove and relocate a load bearing wall in my 1975 doublewide to accommodate kitchen cabinets while considering a 4×4 beam for support?
Asked by Bharathy Saniel 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 6, 2024
I have this old doublewide from 1975, and it looks like there’s a wall holding things up between the kitchen and living room.
I’m thinking about taking the wall out and moving it over about 6 inches closer to where the ceiling meets. I’ve also thought about putting in a 4×4 beam to support the space. I want to do this so I can fit some kitchen cabinets in there.
If you have any ideas or tips, I’d love to hear them!
If it’s located next to the marriage line on either side, then it’s likely load bearing. This one is too far away to be loadbearing. Another hint would be that it would be a double 2×4 or 4×4
So, what exactly is a double wide? Is it like a trailer? I’m from the UK so I’m not familiar with the terminology!
Hey Joey, yes, it’s a mobile home.
Oh, , interesting point about the terminology! Older homes are considered mobile homes, while newer ones are referred to as “manufactured homes.” And those really old ones are often called “trailers.” 😊
Haha I’m not going to debate semantics with you. They all have wheels and they were all driven on the highway.
I thought double wide trailers utilized trusses and that each half didn’t have any load bearing internal walls.
I was also surprised when a company leveled my home and told me it was load bearing. I decided to cut a piece of drywall off to check for any large spaces above the walls in manufactured homes.
It’s actually running parallel to the ceiling joists, so it’s highly unlikely……
The ceiling joists are perpendicular to this particular wall.
Is right, so it would make it non-load-bearing. I have installed and maintained HVAC systems for two decades.
That’s a basic stud and probably not supporting any weight. If you’re not planning to reuse the wood, you could construct your new wall first before removing it just to be cautious.
If you plan on reusing it, be careful when removing the vertical pieces.
Also, once you remove the header piece, you’ll need to patch up the hole in your drywall/sheetrock.
There are groups that focus specifically on renovating mobile homes. I’m actually a part of one:
https://www..com/groups/1830294943927545
On double wide trailers, the interior walls that run the length of the home are typically load bearing. They are constructed in two distinct sections. It’s important to avoid removing them without providing additional support to the area.